Two of Leeds’ specialist hospices are set to work more closely together as part of a new collaborative pilot aimed at improving community palliative and end of life care across the city.
This autumn, St Gemma’s Hospice and Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice will launch an 18-month pilot introducing a shared leadership role for their community services. The new Leeds Hospices Integrated Community Palliative Care Services Lead will work across both organisations, helping strengthen collaboration while supporting more consistent care for patients and families across Leeds.
Although both hospices will remain independent organisations with their own leadership, governance and identities, the pilot reflects a shared commitment to improving services through partnership working.
A more joined-up approach
The shared leadership role will be hosted by St Gemma’s Hospice and jointly funded by both organisations, with an existing member of St Gemma’s team seconded into the post for the duration of the pilot.
The initiative aims to:
- Reduce variation between community hospice services.
- Strengthen joint working with GPs, community services, hospitals and social care.
- Improve access to specialist palliative and end of life care regardless of diagnosis or postcode.
- Support the ambitions of the Leeds Neighbourhood Health Model.
By sharing expertise and working more closely together, the hospices hope to provide a more joined-up experience for patients and those important to them.
Supporting partnership working across Leeds
The pilot reflects the wider direction of travel across Leeds health and care, where organisations are increasingly working together to improve access, reduce inequalities and deliver more coordinated care closer to people’s homes.
While day-to-day community hospice services will continue as normal, the new shared leadership role is intended to strengthen collaboration where it adds the greatest value for patients, families and partner organisations.
The pilot will be evaluated over the next 18 months, with both hospices planning to share updates as the work develops.
Find out more
More information about the organisations involved can be found on their websites:
St Gemma’s Hospice
Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice
